The Reishi Barrier rose into the sky like a vast canopy, sealing off Las Noches in every direction and completely cutting off all contact between the inside and outside.
At the head of the group, Hiraga Ichirō drew his Zanpakutō and addressed the Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, who had already reached them. "Sorry, but could you entertain us for a while?"
Giyu Tomioka stepped forward and identified him without expression. "Hiraga Ichirō, former Demon Slayer Corps member, now a trusted aide to Sōsuke Aizen, the master of Las Noches."
Hiraga Ichirō patted his chest and spoke with feigned humility. "To think the Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps would have the honor of knowing my name. I'm truly overwhelmed!"
A line of figures stood behind Hiraga Ichirō, staring coldly at the enemies opposite them. There were thirteen in all-the Thirteen Court Guard Squads of Las Noches.
First Squad captain, Aono Kōji.
Second Squad captain, Tōjō Shōhei.
Third Squad captain, Sakurai Shū.
Thirteenth Squad captain, Nakamura Mio.
Aono Kōji glared with open hostility at Kaneda Yūichirō a short distance away. Spiritual Pressure surged from him like a tidal wave as he used the Body Flicker Technique to rush his target. "Kaneda Yūichirō, traitor to Las Noches, you will die here!"
Kaneda Yūichirō scratched his short blond hair, looking irritated. "You again."
Kokushibo, Upper Rank One, stepped in to block Aono Kōji's attack. Although he was loyal to Lord Muzan, he was nominally Kaneda Yūichirō's subordinate, so he had a duty to shield him from enemy attacks.
Eyes covered Kokushibo's blade, hilt, and grip. Each slash he aimed at Aono Kōji generated fierce blade winds and countless full-moon blades, forcing Aono Kōji to dodge even as he fought back.
Glancing at his subordinates, who could hardly wait to display